Lois Larson
The Austin-Bergstrom International Airport is a fast-growing airport that has been ranked above average for customer satisfaction. It has two terminals, the Barbara Jordan Terminal and the South Terminal, which are not connected. The airport is easy to navigate, with all gates accessible from one terminal, and restaurants, security, exits, and shops on the other side. However, some travellers have complained about long lines at TSA security checkpoints, and the airport has been undergoing expansion projects to meet the needs of its increasing passenger volume.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Ease of navigation | Easy to navigate compared to other larger airports. Described as "one big long corridor" with all the gates on one side and restaurants, security/exits, shops on the other. |
| TSA security checkpoints | Multiple checkpoints, including TSA PreCheck and Clear, which can help to cut down wait times. However, some passengers have reported long lines and recommended arriving at the airport 3 hours early. |
| Terminals | 2 terminals that are not connected: the Barbara Jordan Terminal (largest) and the South Terminal (used by Allegiant Air and Frontier Airlines). |
| Parking | Each parking option is within walking distance of the terminal. The economy lot offers a free shuttle to the terminal. |
| Transportation | Various options for transportation to and from the airport, including rental cars, ride-shares, shuttles, and Capital Metro buses, providing easy access to downtown Austin and surrounding areas. |
| Food and drink options | A variety of local food options are available, including Tacodeli and Jo's Coffee. |
| Family-friendly | Features a family viewing area, a mother's lounge near Gate 11, and a lactation suite near the central departure area. |
| Live music | Offers a packed live music schedule for passengers to enjoy. |
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What You'll Learn
The airport layout
The Austin-Bergstrom International Airport has been described as easy to navigate due to its relatively small size and simple layout. The airport consists of two terminals that are not connected: the Barbara Jordan Terminal, which is the largest, and the South Terminal, used by Allegiant Air and Frontier Airlines. The Barbara Jordan Terminal has a semi-oval shape with ticketing and baggage claim located in the centre, and two long concourses at either end where flights arrive and depart. The East Concourse is the most recently developed and has 13 gates numbered 1 to 13, while the central departure gate area has 9 gates numbered 15 to 23. The airport has a variety of services and amenities, including shops, restaurants, lounges, and a family viewing area.
The airport offers various parking options, all within walking distance of the terminal. The economy lot provides a free shuttle service to take passengers directly to the correct entrance. The South Terminal can only be accessed from the southern perimeter of the airport, from 183 South or 130 to Burleson Road.
To navigate the airport efficiently, it is recommended to arrive early, especially for early morning flights, and to download your boarding pass and check your flight status ahead of time. The TSA security lines can vary in length, and options such as TSA PreCheck, Clear, or arriving at less busy times can help expedite the security process.
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Security and check-in
Austin-Bergstrom International Airport has been described as easy to navigate. The airport essentially consists of a straight line of terminals, with all gates accessible from one terminal if you are flying with a major airline.
Austin-Bergstrom International Airport has two TSA security checkpoints, both of which lead to the same area. If you are checking in baggage, you should find the counter for your airline before going through security. If you are not checking in baggage, you can go straight through the security checkpoint.
To speed up the security process, it is recommended that you have your toiletries separated into different bags. One bag should contain non-liquid or gel items, and another sandwich bag should contain liquids or gels in containers under 3 ounces. You will also need to put your laptop or tablet in a separate bin, so make sure it is easily accessible. Wear shoes that are easy to take on and off, and consider wearing socks if you are wearing sandals, as you will have to remove your shoes to go through the scanner.
The airport offers a variety of services to ensure passengers have a positive experience. These include a family viewing area, a mobility assistance zone, and resources for passengers with children.
The airport has two terminals that are not connected. The Barbara Jordan Terminal is the largest and is used by most airlines for domestic and international flights. The South Terminal is smaller and is only used by Allegiant Air and Frontier Airlines. It can only be accessed from the southern perimeter of the airport.
The airport has recently undergone expansion projects to meet the needs of its growing passenger numbers. These include a new mezzanine level with space for travellers to lounge, eat, and enjoy skyline views. The TSA security checkpoint was also expanded in December 2021. Despite these improvements, some passengers have commented that the airport is still too small and can be crowded.
To avoid long lines at security, some travellers recommend arriving at the airport up to three hours before your flight, especially if you have checked luggage. Others suggest signing up for Clear or TSA PreCheck to expedite the security process.
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Food and drink
The Austin-Bergstrom International Airport is known for its local food offerings, including barbecue, pizza, sushi, Tex-Mex, and breakfast tacos. The airport has convenient ordering kiosks, QR codes, and mobile order and pay options, making it easy for travellers to access a variety of dining options.
One popular option for breakfast is Tacodeli, which serves breakfast tacos and is a well-known local chain in Austin. For coffee, travellers can visit Jo's Coffee, which offers a range of coffee drinks, including sweet iced Turbo concoctions, or Caribou Coffee & Einstein Bros. Bagels, which serves specialty coffee and fresh-baked bagels. Caffe Medici is another option for locally roasted coffee.
If you're looking for a sit-down meal, there are several options available. Parkside, located at the end of the terminal towards the east gates, serves dishes like roasted bone-in pork chops and fries, crispy calamari, and steak frites, along with local craft beer. For Asian cuisine, Komé Sushi A-Go-Go offers contemporary home-style Japanese meals, sushi, and ramen. 24 Diner is another local eatery serving breakfast meals, burgers, sandwiches, and salads.
For a quick bite, travellers can choose from a variety of options, including East Side Pies, which serves high-quality New York-style pizza with locally sourced ingredients, or Flyrite, which offers delicious chicken sandwiches and breakfast tacos. The Peached Tortilla, located near Gate 17, is an Asian-fusion spot offering Banh Mi tacos, bowls with Vietnamese braised pork belly, and Korean steak tacos.
For drinks, The Beerdrop offers a selection of craft beers, including those from local breweries like Austin Beerworks. Vino Volo is a boutique wine shop offering hand-selected wines from around the world by the glass, tasting flights, or bottles to take home. Second Bar + Kitchen is a good option for cocktails, such as Negronis or a choose-your-own-spirit Painted Mule.
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Parking and transport
The Austin-Bergstrom International Airport (AUS) is known for being easy to navigate. It has been described as a "straight line of terminals", with all gates accessible from a single terminal. If you are travelling without any check-in luggage, you can go straight through the security checkpoint. If you do have luggage to check in, you will need to find the counter for your airline before going through security.
To ensure a smooth parking experience at the airport, you can reserve a spot in advance, which is especially useful during busy periods. You can check the AUS parking website for updates on current availability and promotions. The Blue Garage has a smart parking guidance system that directs you to open spaces, saving time and avoiding frustration. The "Find Your Car" kiosks near select elevators can help you locate your vehicle using your license plate number. iPhone users can also use the Park Assist app to see space availability in real time.
If you are using public transport to get to the airport, CapMetro provides a convenient and frequent bus service. The Route 20 Manor Road/Riverside bus operates every 15 minutes, 7 days a week, and travels between the airport and downtown Austin, including popular spots like the State Capital, Lady Bird Lake, and the University of Texas campus.
For those arriving by car, it is recommended to arrive early to account for time spent in shuttle services and security lines.
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Family facilities
Austin-Bergstrom International Airport has been designed with ease of use in mind, with a simple floor plan that makes it easy to navigate. The airport has one main three-level passenger terminal, with a long concourse running off to the west. The Arrivals/Baggage Claim section is located on Level 1, Departures on Level 2, and Level 3 offers airline lounges and airport offices.
The airport has a family viewing area where children can watch planes take off and a picnic area where families can relax and enjoy their meals. There is also a dedicated play area for children, with Toy Joy and Amy's Ice Cream nearby to keep them entertained and happy.
For mothers, there are lounges and lactation suites at Gate 11 and across from it. There are also family restrooms, and a pet relief area inside the airport, after security, with two more located before entering the secure zone.
The airport also has a Mobility Assistance Zone for passengers using mobility assistive devices such as wheelchairs, scooters, or crutches, or those who need additional mobility assistance. It is located on the lower level curbside and provides priority access for Wheelchair Accessible Vehicles, taxis, and rideshares.
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Frequently asked questions
Austin-Bergstrom International Airport is relatively easy to navigate once you pass through security. The airport is basically a straight line of terminals, with all gates accessible from one terminal.
Viewers recommend getting to the airport 90 minutes to 3 hours before your flight. TSA PreCheck and Clear are also great ways to cut down time spent in the security line.
Make sure your toiletries are packed into separate bags. Anything that is a liquid or gel must be under 3 ounces and easily accessible. Your laptop or tablet should also be easily accessible as they need to go in a separate bin.
The airport has a family viewing area where you can watch planes take off and a jam-packed live music schedule for kids to enjoy. There are also various local food options, including Austin breakfast tacos from Tacodeli and coffee from Jo's Coffee.
The airport recommends bringing small "comfort" items, such as a security blanket, a favourite pillow, and small snacks. Small toys, colouring books, and small electronic devices can also help keep children entertained.
